Tour

The Road to Serfdom from Austria to America

How Lessons Can Be Learned

The Free Market Road Show U.S. seeks to open a unique dialogue between Europe and the United States by providing a forum for leaders and audiences to discuss and debate the reasons why the United States must be very careful considering next steps as it continues to move towards a European-like social welfare model.

Despite the Fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, most of Europe has descended into an inexorable slide towards socialism, with a relentless drumbeat against business and the knee-jerk response to every problem involving a call for further centralization and regulation.

This project comes at a crucial moment in history when free market advocacy in Europe, especially in Eastern Europe which had seen great strides in its economic freedom in the previous 25 years, is at turning point. The costs of the journey down the road to serfdom in Europe are being felt ever more strongly.

At the same time, the United States, through its own political and leadership debates, is crying out for a change in direction and for a positive message that is not only optimistic, but that offers practical solutions to its problems. In the United States, like in Europe, the topics of the debate are more likely to include wealth distribution, international competitiveness and job preparedness. Is it time for capitalism? What is the appropriate role of capitalism in a responsible society? What is the appropriate role of government?

At this critical moment in the debate between capitalism and socialism, the US should not fall into the same traps as Europe. Free market thinking is either dismissed as passé or simply omitted. Many have either forgotten or, even worse, never known of the relationship between freedom, competition and personal responsibility and those principles that would include the pursuit of happiness, economic stability and sustained peace.

The Austrian Economics Center (AEC), in cooperation with think-tanks and universities across the United States of America, is proud to present the Free Market Road Show U.S. again this year.

Join the Discussion

The 2017 Free Market Road Show U.S. will present two main panels focusing on:

Panel 1 – The Role of the State and the American Dream

Is the American Dream still alive while much of the world continues to applaud and embrace the socialist system? Which is the appropriate role of the state in a responsible society?

Panel 2 – Freedom and Responsibility

In an age of decreasing resources, urbanization, and increasing populations, is the free movement of people still a sustainable option? Do personal responsibility and freedom matter?